How to purchase and read an eBook from the Google eBookstore on a Google Android device

Get reading across Android and iOS devices as well as eReaders and your PC

In a bid to rival Apple and Amazon, Google launched its eBookstore in the UK in October last year. eBooks purchased from Google's online store, which offers a catalogue of around three million titles, can be read on a tablet PC orsmartphone running Google Android thanks to a free app that can be downloaded from the Android Market. The app is also available for Apple iOS devices extending the ability to read Google eBooks to Apple iPhones and iPads. Furthermore,some eBook readers will support the format – although Amazon's Kindle is currently excluded from the list of supported devices at present, and PC users aren't left out as a browser that is Javascript enabled can also be used to read Google eBooks .

It's worth noting, Google eBooks are stored online so you can access and read any of the eBooks you have purchased from any of the compatible devices without the need to install them on the device. It also allows you to carry on reading from where you left off, no matter which device you use. We've already shown you how to purchase and read a Google eBook on your PC, but here's how to purchase and read a Google eBook on an Android device.

Step oneYou'll need to start by downloading the Google Books app, which is available for free from the Android Market. Once the app has been installed on your device, launch the software. You'll be asked if you want to turn the Sync feature, that ensures you can carry on reading from where you left off no matter which device you use, on. Press Turn on sync.

Step twoYou'll be presented with your My Google eBook account, and if you have previously downloaded any eBooks, they will be displayed. To begin reading simply tap the book's icon and you'll be presented either with the first chapter, or the last place if you left off reading the book, if you've previously opened it on another device. You scan scroll backwards and forward through the pages simply by swiping left or right on your device's screen.

Step threePressing the menu key during reading allows you to access the Settings options to adjust the text size, line spacing, type face and justification. There's also an option to share text your reading through services including Facebook and even have the book read aloud to you. When you've finished reading, you can return to your eBook library press the back key.

Step fourPressing the menu key while in your eBook library offers access to the manage my library function, which means you can delete books, as well as adjust whether they're stored on the SD card (if you're using a Google Android smartphone) or in the cloud.

Step fiveTo browse the eBookstore, either press the Shop icon in the top right-hand corner, which will take you to Google's mobile eBookstore, or press the magnifying glass icon to search for a specific author or title. Browse the bookstore for the eBook that you require and click on it. If it's a paid-for eBook, tap the button displaying the price, and the default credit card assigned to your Google Wallet account will be displayed along with the total price. Simply press Accept & Buy to purchase this eBook. If you haven't already set-up a Google Wallet account, read our How to create and manage a Google Wallet account article. You can change which payment card you use to make the purchase simply by tapping the card number on the screen. The eBook will then be downloaded and appear in your eBook library.

Step sixAlternatively, if it's a free eBook, press Open and the title will be automatically downloaded to your eBook library and opened so you can begin reading it.